HOMILY OF ALL SOULS [COMMEMORATION OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED].
Wisdom 3:1-9c, Rom 5:5-11, John 6:37-40.
Today, we give special attention to our departed brothers and sisters whose fate we do not know. Today’s celebration reminds us of a merciful God who understands our human conditions and who is ever ready to welcome us back into our heavenly homeland. He is a God who opens up his hands to those children of his who sincerely long for him but for one frailty or the other couldn’t wash their hands completely clean before death knocks.
The Lord said in the gospel, “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and him who comes to me I will not cast out.” John 6:37. His mission is to save all.
Moreover, our belief in the communion of saints gives us the hope that our prayers can help those suffering souls in the process of purgation. Just as we pray to the saints in heaven to pray for us, we equally pray for those in purgatory that God will grant them entrance into heaven.
However, in our journey of faith, let us desire direct entrance into heaven. There is no enjoyment in purgatory. Since nothing unclean will enter heaven[Rev 21:27], let us cast behind us every form of uncleanness so as to be full citizens of heaven.
May the Lord grant us the grace to follow him daily and may the souls of the all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
